The Highest-Grossing Christmas Movies of All Time

One of the best parts of the holiday season is undoubtedly the movies. Whether you’re cozying up under a blanket with hot cocoa or just having them on as background noise while wrapping presents, holiday films have a special kind of magic to them. No matter how many times we see Kevin outsmart home invaders or watch the Grinch try to terrorize the Whos, these films represent all the tradition, nostalgia, and fun of Christmas. While we all have our favorites (I’m partial to A Christmas Story), some films sold significantly more tickets than others. Here’s a look at the top-grossing Christmas movies of all time, adjusted for inflation.

1. Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone; Image credit: 20th Century Fox

Home Alone remains the undisputed king of Christmas movies. Kevin McCallister’s battle against the Wet Bandits turned into a worldwide phenomenon, earning a remarkable $1.14 billion when adjusted for inflation. With its campy traps, slapstick humor, and surprisingly touching ending, this film has become part of the holiday cultural zeitgeist.

2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York; Image credit: 20th Century Fox

Few sequels capture the spirit of the original, but the second installment of Kevin’s Christmas adventures sold us. This time, Kevin finds himself in New York City, where he once again faces off against the burglars who (unsuccessfully) tried to rob his home previously.  With $803 million adjusted for inflation, it seems moviegoers were still eager to see how Kevin handled being left behind again.

3. The Grinch (2018)

The Grinch; Image credit: Universal Pictures

Adapting a classic children’s book is always a tall order, especially when it’s already been done a few times, but Illumination’s 2018 The Grinch took the story in a relatively fresh direction. Benedict Cumberbatch brought us a quieter, more introspective, and less mean version of the character, and the colorful animation was fun. Still, despite its visual flair, some critics felt it lacked some of the bite and weirdness that made earlier versions so memorable. With an adjusted total gross of $673 million, though, it’s clear that this softer Grinch still found a home in plenty of hearts.

4. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Image credit: Universal Pictures

Jim Carrey’s take on the Grinch in Ron Howard’s adaptation was kooky, loud, and just plain fun. While not everyone loved the additions to the story and the new origins of his hatred for Christmas, Carrey’s manic energy and perfect timing made the film an instant hit, pulling in $630 million in inflation-adjusted dollars. In fact, the film was so successful that it kicked off a slew of feature-length adaptations of classic Dr. Seuss books.

5. Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns; Image credit: Warner Bros.

Tim Burton’s Batman Returns might not be what most consider a Christmas movie, but it technically qualifies. Gotham is decked out in snow and lights throughout the film as Bruce Wayne fights The Penguin and Catwoman amidst the backdrop of the holiday season. With $621 million adjusted for inflation, it’s certainly one of the most unexpected entries on this list.

6. Die Hard 2 (1990)

Die Hard 2; Image credit: 20th Century Fox

Since the first film hit theaters, people have been arguing over whether it counts as a Christmas movie. It seems the writers would vote yes, as Bruce Willis reprised his role as John McClane in Die Hard 2, this time facing villains at a snowbound airport, once again at Christmastime. The film doubled down on the action that made the first one a hit, earning $584 million adjusted for inflation. Whether or not you agree it’s a Christmas movie, it’s undeniably a December favorite for many.

7. Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)

Alvin and the Chipmunks; Image credit: 20th Century Fox

A mix of live action and CGI, Alvin and the Chipmunks brought the Baby Boomers’ favorite singing rodents into the modern age, as well as the holiday season. With its December release and family-friendly humor, it became a seasonal hit, grossing $553 million adjusted for inflation.

8. The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express; Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Polar Express is one of those films that divides viewers: you either find it deeply moving or slightly unsettling. The early motion-capture animation gives it a strange, dreamlike quality that fits the story’s tone, even if it feels a bit outdated these days. Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters added to its charm, creating the most memorable characters in the film. At its core, it’s a simple story about belief and wonder, told with sweeping visuals and a great score (especially that Josh Groban number). Earning $555 million adjusted for inflation, it remains a holiday favorite for many, even if its style feels a bit frozen in time.

9. A Christmas Carol (2009)

A Christmas Carol; Image credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Another Zemeckis motion-capture project that followed in the wake of The Polar Express, A Christmas Carol featured Jim Carrey playing multiple roles in this digital reimagining of Dickens’ timeless story. While opinions on the animation style were mixed, the film brought in $304 million adjusted for inflation. Considering Dickens’ novel is often credited for “reinventing Christmas” in the English-speaking world, it’s no wonder this adaptation got butts in seats, earning $304 million adjusted for inflation.

10. Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins; Image credit: Warner Bros.

While the mischievous creatures have become part of the cultural zeitgeist, you may have forgotten that they were wreaking havoc while sleigh bells were ringing. Part comedy, part horror, Gremlins takes the cozy holiday setting and turns it on its head. With $309 million in inflation-adjusted dollars, the film has maintained its cult status and, of course, taught us the perils of feeding strange pets after midnight.

*Earnings calculated using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released November 2025.

Some of these films became classics because they’re fun movies, while others just give us that fleeting feeling of warmth and nostalgia that only comes once a year. Whether it’s Kevin McCallister defending his house, the Grinch’s heart growing, or John McClane crawling through an air vent on Christmas Eve, each film has earned its place in the season’s lineup. They’ve filled theaters, shaped traditions, and reminded us that movie magic and holiday spirit often go hand in hand.

See more:

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• The 10 Highest-Grossing Actresses of All Time
• The 10 Highest-Grossing Japanese Anime Films of All Time
• The Top 50 Highest-Grossing Science Fiction Movies of All Time
• The Top 50 Highest-Grossing Superhero Movies of All Time

Source: Wikipedia and BLS